Hamilton, Massachusetts

Total Acres: 25

Year Conserved: 1969

Property Description

Willowdale Mill is the site of a 19th century textile mill constructed by Dr. Thomas Manning. The original wooden mill was replaced with a stone structure, and by 1834 a factory complex, including mill, boarding house, and factory building, was in full operation turning out woolen goods. Manning Mills, later known as Willowdale Manufacturing Company, continued making hosiery and blankets until 1884, when the mill was destroyed by fire. Remnants of the mill can be clearly seen - earth, stone and wooden reminders of a century's labor. The sluiceway that channeled water from the Ipswich River to power the mill is dry now, but the once swift current's path is still clearly visible, slicing an indentation from one end of the Willowdale reservation to the other. 

Special Features:

The Willowdale Mill Reservation protects 1,500 feet along the Ipswich River. Greenbelt owns a fish ladder that allows passage of migrating fish around the Willowdale Dam, which was used to power the mill.

The surrounding woods are dotted with white pine, with fine broad paths carpeted in layers of pine needles for walking or horseback riding. The Southern Trail passes through mature hardwood forests and connects with the larger trail system of Bradley Palmer State Forest. The Riverside Trail follows the banks of the river upstream and also leads you off property into the Bradley Palmer State Forest. Cedars, hemlocks and pines, offering a different natural experience, border this trail. 

Tail Map (pdf)

Parking

Parking is limited to 4 cars.

Park in the dirt pullout at the corner of the field, just across the bridge. Do not block the gate, which provides emergency and fire access to Bradley Palmer State Park.

Directions

From Route 1:

Drive east toward Ipswich on Ipswich Road, which becomes Topsfield Road in Ipswich, until you reach Foote's Canoe Rental on your right. At the next possible right, turn right onto Winthrop Street. The sign for this road may be missing, but it is directly opposite a large yellow veterinarian's office. Drive just beyond the wooden bridge over the Ipswich River. The property is on the right and is marked by a small field and pullout.

From Ipswich Center:

Drive west on Topsfield Road and turn left onto Winthrop Street. Proceed as above.